DATA-DRIVEN PHONE COMPARE

iPhone 12 Pro Max vs iPhone SE (2nd generation)

27 source-backed differences · 8 fields the same. Official sources below.

Both records verified · latest Aug 19, 2026

Pick two phones to see a source-backed comparison.

Comparing shared product base specs.

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PHONE A

iPhone 12 Pro Max

No fresh verified price

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VS
iPhone SE (2nd generation) product viewPHONE B

iPhone SE (2nd generation)

No fresh verified price

Full specs →

Direct answer

iPhone 12 Pro Max has advantages in battery, rear cameras, while iPhone SE (2nd generation) has advantages in design & dimensions.

Top Differences

Prioritize what matters to you, then expand the full shared field set.

35 registry fields

Display size6.7 in4.7 in
Outdoor brightness800 nits typical; 1,200 nits hdr625 nits typical
Video playback20 hours13 hours
Weight228 g148 g
Streamed video hours128

What Changed

Deterministic differences from the verified structured records.

Display sizeDifferent, with no automatic winner

6.7 in compared with 4.7 in

Outdoor brightnessDifferent, with no automatic winner

800 nits typical; 1,200 nits hdr compared with 625 nits typical

Video playbackiPhone 12 Pro Max

20 hours compared with 13 hours

WeightiPhone SE (2nd generation)

228 g compared with 148 g

Streamed video hoursiPhone 12 Pro Max

12 compared with 8

Full Comparison

Expand every verified field and inspect the complete side-by-side data.

35 registry fields

FieldiPhone 12 Pro MaxiPhone SE (2nd generation)Why it matters
Front cameraMinor difference2 official sources12 MP7 MPFront camera changes affect selfies and video calls.
TypeMarginal difference2 official sources12MP camera7MP cameraNo universal winner; decide based on your use case.
ZoomMarginal difference1 official source5x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out; 5x optical zoom rangeUnknownNo universal winner; decide based on your use case.
FieldiPhone 12 Pro MaxiPhone SE (2nd generation)Why it matters
Display sizeMeaningful difference2 official sources6.7 in4.7 inMore screen space changes reading and media comfort.
Outdoor brightnessMeaningful difference2 official sources800 nits typical; 1,200 nits hdr625 nits typicalHigher outdoor brightness improves sunlight readability.
HdrMeaningful difference1 official sourceYesUnknownNo universal winner; decide based on your use case.
ResolutionMarginal difference2 official sources2778-by-1284-pixel resolution at 458 ppi1334-by-750-pixel resolution at 326 ppiNo universal winner; decide based on your use case.
TechnologyMarginal difference2 official sourcesSuper Retina XDR displayRetina HD displayNo universal winner; decide based on your use case.
FieldiPhone 12 Pro MaxiPhone SE (2nd generation)Why it matters
ChipMarginal difference2 official sourcesA14 BionicA13 BionicNewer silicon generally extends performance headroom.
Cpu coresMarginal difference1 official sourceUnknown6No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
Gpu coresMarginal difference1 official sourceUnknown4No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
Neural engine coresMarginal difference1 official sourceUnknown8No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
FieldiPhone 12 Pro MaxiPhone SE (2nd generation)Why it matters
Video playbackMeaningful difference2 official sources20 hours13 hoursApple’s common playback test gives a comparable endurance signal.
Fast chargeMarginal difference2 official sourcesUp to 50% charge in 30 minutes 11 with 20W adapter or higher (sold separately)Up to 50% charge in 30 minutes 12 with 18W adapter or higher (sold separately)Shorter top-up time matters during travel and busy days.
Audio playback hoursMarginal difference2 official sources8040No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
Streamed video hoursMeaningful difference2 official sources128No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
FieldiPhone 12 Pro MaxiPhone SE (2nd generation)Why it matters
WeightMeaningful difference2 official sources228 g148 gWeight affects long sessions and one-handed comfort.
Depth mmMarginal difference2 official sources7.47.3No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
Height mmMarginal difference2 official sources160.8138.4No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
Width mmMarginal difference2 official sources78.167.3No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
ColorsMarginal difference1 official sourceUnknownBlack, WhiteNo universal winner; decide based on your use case.
FieldiPhone 12 Pro MaxiPhone SE (2nd generation)Why it matters
Storage optionsMarginal difference2 official sources128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GBAvailable capacities determine local media and app headroom.
ContentsMarginal difference2 official sourcesiPhone with iOS 14, USB-C to Lightning Cable, Documentation, We encourage you to re-use your current USB-A to Lightning cables, power adapters, and headphones which are compatible with this iPhone. But if you need any new Apple power adapters or headphones, they are available for purchase.iPhoneSE, USB-C to Lightning Cable, Documentation, We encourage you to re-use your current USB-A to Lightning cables, power adapters, and headphones which are compatible with this iPhone. But if you need any new Apple power adapters or headphones, they are available for purchase.No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
RatingMarginal difference2 official sourcesRated IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes) under IEC standard 60529Rated IP67 (maximum depth of 1 meter up to 30 minutes) under IEC standard 60529No universal winner; decide based on your use case.
ListMarginal difference2 official sourcesFace ID, LiDAR Scanner, Barometer, Three-axis gyro, Accelerometer, Proximity sensor, Ambient light sensorTouch ID fingerprint sensor, Barometer, Three-axis gyro, Accelerometer, Proximity sensor, Ambient light sensorNo universal winner; decide based on your use case.
FieldiPhone 12 Pro MaxiPhone SE (2nd generation)Why it matters
CellularMarginal difference2 official sources5G sub-6 GHz and mmWaveLTENo universal winner; decide based on your use case.
FieldiPhone 12 Pro MaxiPhone SE (2nd generation)Why it matters
WifiMarginal difference2 official sourcesWi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)802.11ax Wi-FiNo universal winner; decide based on your use case.

What’s the same

Main camera12 MP
BluetoothBluetooth 5.0
U.S. SIMDual SIM
Apertureƒ/2.2 aperture
NfcYes
ConnectorLightning
ReleaseYear2020
OsiOS

Which should you buy?

iPhone 12 Pro Max and iPhone SE (2nd generation) trade strengths: iPhone 12 Pro Max leads in Battery and Camera, while iPhone SE (2nd generation) leads in Design.

CHOOSE IPHONE 12 PRO MAX
  • Choose iPhone 12 Pro Max if you prioritize battery and camera.
CHOOSE IPHONE SE (2ND GENERATION)
  • Choose iPhone SE (2nd generation) if you prioritize design.

Category-by-category

BATTERY · iPhone 12 Pro Max

Leads in battery.

DESIGN & DIMENSIONS · iPhone SE (2nd generation)

Leads in design.

REAR CAMERAS · iPhone 12 Pro Max

Leads in camera.

DISPLAY · Comparable

Comparable across display.

PERFORMANCE · Comparable

Comparable across performance.

OTHER · Comparable

Comparable across other.

CELLULAR · Comparable

Comparable across cellular.

CONNECTIVITY · Comparable

Comparable across connectivity.

FIELD-LEVEL PROVENANCE

3 official sources

Every compared field traces to an official product source. No model-generated specs, prices or winners.